Investigators have alleged Smith, Lawrence E. Reed and Lawrence Newson broke into a series of gas stations and party stores, stealing cigarettes and lottery tickets, in November 2010, said Clare County Prosecutor Michelle J. Ambrozaitis.

The trio was accused of breaking into, or attempting to break into, Dave’s Lake 13 Party Store, J&D Market, Surrey Point Party Store, and Heintz Trading Post, said Ambrozaitis.

CourtesyLawrence Reed

Smith and Reed were arrested soon after in St. Johns, where a store clerk recognized Smith for cashing in stolen lottery tickets a month earlier, the prosecutor said.

A subsequent investigation led to the third suspect, who reportedly was involved with Smith in a rash of break-ins in Clare County in October 2010.

Smith pleaded guilty to four counts of breaking and entering a building with intent, and agreed to testify against Reed and Newson, said Ambrozaitis.

Courtesy

He must serve five to 20 years and pay about $25,000 in restitution, plus about $2,500 in fines, Mienk ruled.

Last week, he testified against Reed in a jury trial that resulted in Reed being convicted of 13 counts.

Newson, in October, pleaded guilty to attempted breaking and entering and larceny in a building.